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1. How do I get into the VA Healthcare System?

You must submit a completed VA application. you may access the application (VA health benefits information and submission instructions on this Health page). You will need a copy of your honorable discharge (DD 214 or equivalent) to the VA Medical Center Eligibility Office. They will determine your eligibility, priority group, and co-pays (if applicable). See your County Veterans Service Office for assistance in completing the form. There are separate healthcare programs for active duty personnel, retired, and dependents of veterans who are totally and permanently disabled.

For more information see our section on Medical Benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility requirements for enrollment in VA’s Health Care System.

2. How do I get my prescription medications from the VA?

You must be enrolled in the VA healthcare system and be followed by a VA healthcare provider who prescribes your medication that may be obtained from a VA pharmacy. Co-pays may apply.

For more information see our section on Medical Benefits and the Department of Veterans Affairs eligibility requirements for enrollment in VA's Health Care System.

3. How do I arrange for transportation to the VA for my medical appointments?

Sherburne County provides transportation to the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis and St. Cloud for veterans who are unable to transport themselves. Please refer to the guidelines and scheduling page for specific information.

4. How do I get the VA to pay me for my disabilities?

VA Compensation Benefits may be paid to an eligible veteran who has a disabling physical or mental condition which was incurred or aggravated during military service. Pension Benefits are paid to veterans who have a non-service connected disabling (post service) which has been or can be diagnosed as permanent and total in nature, preventing gainful employment. Income and asset levels do apply. You should contact your officer for an interview to determine eligibility and for assistance in applying or these benefits.

For more information see our section on disabilities and the Veterans Benefits Administration.

5. How do I get a copy of my discharge papers?

Your discharge (DD214 or equivalent) is a very important document, because your eligibility for all VA benefits is determined by it. There are a number of sources from which you may be able to get certified copies or photo-copies your discharge papers. Our veterans service office will assist you.

You may submit electronic requests for discharge papers from the National Archives.

6. How do I apply for a VA Home Loan Guarantee?

Bring your discharge papers (DD Form 214) to your County Veterans Service Office. They will complete a form and send it in to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) office to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. You will present the Certificate of Eligibility to your lender when applying for a home loan. It is important to compare rates, fees and programs offered by your lender.

For more information see our section on VA Home Loan Guarantees and the Dept of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guarantee Services.

7. How do I apply for VA burial benefits?

Your DD214 (Discharge Paper) is the key document that determines your eligibility for burial benefits. It is important to secure this document and make sure your family is able to locate it. Burial benefits provide for an allowance that may be authorized for the reimbursement of the funeral and burial expenses of an eligible veteran and limited benefits for a spouse. The following allowances fall under this category:

• Burial in a National or State Cemetery
• Burial or Cremation Allowance
• Headstones and Markers
• Memorial Plots
• Plot or Internment Allowance
• Presidential Memorial Certificates
• Transportation of Remains
• United States Flag

There are many factors or criteria that determine what burial allowances you may qualify for, so it is imperative that you contact your veterans' service officer for guidance and application of these benefits. We also work closely with local funeral homes and cemeteries. We strongly recommend that you find out about your VA burial benefits and options before committing to a pre-paid funeral package.

8. How do I apply for VA death benefits?

There are multiple sub-categories that fall under the umbrella of death benefits. Learn about all of them on our death benefits page.

9. How do I obtain Veterans Preference Points for employment?

Since the time of the Civil War, veterans of the Armed Forces have been given some degree of preference in the appointments to Federal Jobs. 5 preference points can be added to the passing examination score of a veteran who has served on active duty for at least 180 days and have an honorable discharge. A 10 point preference can be added to the passing score of a veteran who has a service connected disability rated by the VA and is in receipt of compensation for the disability. There are additional provisions for unmarried spouses or mothers of deceased veterans or veterans that are totally and permanently disabled. Preference points are not applicable for Guard and Reserve members who perform Active Duty for Training.

Read about the Minnesota Veteran Preference Act.

10. How do I know what education benefits are available?

There are multiple higher education programs that are in effect for:

• Active Duty
• Dependents of Deceased Veterans
• Dependents of Veterans
• Disabled Veterans
• Discharged Veteran
• Reserve Duty

Some are programs were contributory in nature, which means that you paid into a fund. Each program has specific active duty dates, enrollment periods, entitlement dates and expiration dates.

For more detailed information refer to the GI Bill website and the Minnesota State Education Benefits website.

11. How do I obtain replacement medals?

Requests for the issuance or replacement of military service medals, decorations, and awards should be directed to the specific branch of the military in which the veteran served. However, for Air Force (including Army Air Corps) and Army personnel, the National Personnel Records Center will verify the awards to which a veteran is entitled and forward the request with the verification to the appropriate service department for issuance of the medals. Please include a copy of your DD214 or military discharge papers with your written request for service medals, decorations and awards to the appropriate branch of service.

Find more information on the National Archives website.